Sterling water users advised of E.coli finding

Sterling drinking water users are being asked to go to the Department of Public Work’s website for a drinking water notice, involving E.coli being found in one of its wells.

The website is www.sterling-ma.gov and the information is “important information regarding the routine monitoring for the presence of drinking water contaminants of the public water supply,” according to a notice sent to The Item.

According to the drinking water notice, E.coli was found in a water sample collected on June 11 from Well 2; E.coli is a fecal indicator. According to the notice, “the well was immediately taken off-line.”

Water distributed through the system is routinely treated with ultraviolet disinfectant to kill viruses and bacteria, including E.coli, according to the notice.

“It is important to note that treated samples collected on June 11 in the distribution system did not detect any fecal contamination,” according to the notice.

A staff member said there was no boil order and no other corrective action needed to be done, but the department was required, by law, to notify residents as soon as possible.